By SEMA News Editors
Content Creator Spotlight: Marissa Halee
Instagram: @marissahalee
TikTok: @marissahalee
Facebook: @marissahale
Follower counts: 11k on Instagram; 4.5k on TikTok; 107 on Facebook
Focus: Fords and classic Mustangs and cars
Marissa Halee is a content creator and passionate Ford enthusiast who's carving out her place in the classic car scene—one Mustang moment at a time. With a love for vintage that started at car shows during childhood and a growing online audience across Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, she's using her platform to inspire others to dive into the world of classic cars, no matter their gender, age or background. And recently, she brought that passion to Washington, D.C., to join SEMA/PRI in the fight to stop the ban on internal combustion engines (ICE).
Get to know Marissa Halee in her interview with SEMA News below.
SEMA News: How did you get into the automotive industry?
MH: I started going to car shows and races with my dad when I was little, and Mustangs were instantly my favorite. Back in the day, my mom had a white '65 Mustang coupe, and both of my parents had muscle cars when they were younger, but I don't think that influenced my gravitational pull to the pony car. I got my first Mustang through a conversation with a family friend in Washington when I was 17, looking to buy my first car. I never planned to get a classic Mustang, but it fell into my lap and was meant to be.
SN: What's been your favorite part of being a part of the automotive community?
MH: [My favorite part is] how many genuine connections I make on a daily basis. When people stop to share a story with me at the gas station about a car they had like mine, or when people message me about how my car is inspiring them to work on theirs, it fills me with so much joy. Life can be busy, and you forget how many others are around you going through it just the same. Those little moments of connection are so special.
SN: As a content creator in the industry, how do you hope to make an impact on your audience?
MH: To really inspire people that it is never too late, too expensive or too daunting to own a classic car! When I got my car, I was a 17-year-old girl who knew nothing about cars. I had just graduated high school and was working part-time. So, if you want it hard enough, you can make it happen. Also, do not be afraid to ask questions! And do not be afraid to buy a classic if you are young or a woman.
SN: What's been your biggest motivator?
MH: Personal enjoyment! Driving my car, working on my car and even talking about cars to other people is like therapy to me. The growth I have seen in myself from being able to learn and do something I am so passionate about, share my passion with others, and connect with my followers has humbled and inspired me to continue pushing hard. I cannot imagine what my life would be like right now if I hadn't bought that car almost 10 years ago and I am so excited to see where I will be in 10 years from now.
SN: Why is advocacy important to you?
MH: Advocating for my biggest passion comes so naturally, and it is important to make sure you are using your voice. It is something so innately American to have a choice and a right to be heard.
SN: What's been the biggest moment of your career thus far?
I am thanking my lucky stars on a daily basis to be able to do what I do. Being able to meet the CEO of Ford personally and show him my Mustang absolutely tops the list (thank you, Friends of Ford!). Editor's Note: Friends of Ford is a community of passionate Ford fans.
SN: What is on the horizon for you in 2025? Anything you're looking forward to?
MH: I am honestly not sure what is in store for me, but all I can say is that I am so excited, and I am ready! I fully feel with my heart and soul that the automotive industry is where I belong, careerwise. I am excited to plan more car shows with Ford, continue my automotive sponsorships and build my Mustang further, attend SEMA and other fun events, and meet more industry members!
Are you a passionate automotive or racing content creator? Do you want to get involved with SEMA/PRI and spread the word about important advocacy initiatives? Contact Lauren Wilbor from the SEMA Washington, D.C., office at laurenpw@sema.org.